Ball Bearing Tracker Assembly for Wide-Range Solar Panel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking systems lack a low friction articulating joint with sufficient range of motion to effectively capture and retain maximum sunlight, particularly in high-load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ball bearing tracker assembly featuring a hollow spherical chamber with a solid oval or elliptical shaft and a top cover with a recessed channel, allowing for low friction rotation and angular translation, accommodating a plurality of ball bearings to support and surround a spherical orb for optimal solar tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball bearing assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited and cannot accommodate high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a hollow spherical chamber housing ball bearings, a solid shaft with oval/elliptical cross-section, and a top cover with recessed channel. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to the overall range of motion while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-axis rotation to multi-axis angular translation by incorporating a solid shaft with oval or elliptical cross-section within a spherical chamber. This dimensional change enables motion in multiple directions (azimuth and elevation), dramatically expanding the range of motion from one degree of freedom to three degrees of freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-axis tracking system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the range of angular translation is insufficient for optimal solar capture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a hollow spherical chamber as the housing for the ball bearing assembly. This spherical geometry naturally accommodates multi-directional angular translation, allowing the shaft to rotate and translate angularly in multiple axes simultaneously, thereby achieving dual-axis tracking functionality with a unified spherical structure rather than separate mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearing assembly within the spherical chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides low-friction rotation about the shaft axis, enables angular translation in multiple directions, supports the shaft and attached solar array, and accommodates the oval/elliptical shaft geometry. This multi-functionality achieves dual-axis tracking without requiring separate actuators and mechanisms for each axis.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical joints are used, then the structure is straightforward, but friction is high and range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Ball bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the solid shaft and the hollow spherical chamber. These ball bearings convert sliding friction into rolling friction, dramatically reducing the energy loss to friction. The ball bearings roll along the shaft surface and the chamber interior, enabling smooth, low-friction rotation and angular translation while supporting the mechanical load.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly provides a high range of angular translation and rotation, reducing torsional stress and enabling efficient solar energy capture, while allowing for seasonal adjustments and reduced energy consumption in solar tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
The ball bearings are positioned between the housing and a portion of the orb to provide low friction rotation and angular translation of the orb within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A low friction ball bearing tracker assembly for use in spatial object, particularly solar tracking, the assembly including a housing, having a base and top cover affixed to the housing, the housing further including a spherical chamber for receiving a rounded orb and ball bearings sufficient to surround at least fifty percent of the surface area of the orb, for allowing the orb to swivel, and translate, while tracking the spatial object, the orb being affixed to a solid shaft having an oval cross section, such as an ellipse, with major and minor axes, whereby the solid shaft holds a plate for retaining an array of panels, the top cover of the assembly further including a recessed channel along the inner circumference of the top cover to accommodate additional ball bearings to allow additional range of low friction motion.